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The Rivers State Government has ordered a total ban on commercial motorcyclists popularly called Okada, in the state, citing the involvement of riders in series of crimes as well as being responsible for the high percentage of deaths and loss of limbs of the populace.
The Rivers State Government has ordered a total ban on commercial motorcyclists popularly called Okada, in the state, citing the involvement of riders in series of crimes as well as being responsible for the high percentage of deaths and loss of limbs of the populace.
However, the ban will come into effect on December 31st, 2008.
Briefing newsmen on the outcome of State Executive Council meeting in Port Harcourt yesterday, the state Commissioner for Information, Mr. Ogbonna Nwuke said it is in response to growing public outcry by citizens against the operations of the Okada riders.
'We cannot continue to watch from the side lines while lives of our people are wasted recklessly on a daily basis on the roads,' he said.
Previous administrations in the state had restricted the operational hours of the cyclists to between 7 a.m. and 6 p.m. followed by their restriction to certain roads by the current government, before the recent decision.
Speaking on other issues Ogbonna said the Executive Council was satisfied with the recommendations of the consultants for the Greater Port Harcourt City Master plan and has approved between N50 billion and 100 billion Naira be committed annually to the development of infrastructure in the new city.
Exco he said, also approved that 20,000 residential houses be built annually in the city while an agency to be known as Great Port Harcourt Development Authority would be constituted to oversee the development of the new city.
The Exco, Nwuke said regretted the long years of darkness suffered by the people of Ogoni, but noted with satisfaction steps being taken to restore electricity to the area before January, 2009.
Council also approved the provision of street in the city of Port Harcourt to enhance security, beautify the city, and brighten the environment and gave those engaging in illegal bunkering around the Port Harcourt refinery one week to move out of the area or face grave consequences.